I can't believe I was included in an article featuring "fashionable" photographers and what we wear to photograph our clients! This hip magazine out of Miami, has really been an inspiration for me and where the industry is going. You can find the online article at Design Aglow...Right Here! And here is the direct link to yours truly. I think it was really more of a, "hey lady, you could use a makeover so we'll give you a prize to get you started", kind of thing, but I don't care. And I don't care that it is just an Honorable Mention. I won something. Woo hoo!

Now, I will admit that after seeing how stylish the other photographers were, I felt this sudden urge to run to the store and buy something more fun and stylish for my portrait session tomorrow. But impulse buying is bad. I came home with four pairs of shoes and two tops. I've already narrowed it down to one pair of shoes and one shirt (that I won't even be able to wear tomorrow because it will be too hot) but I'm still looking for a polka-dotted skirt! .

Jul 25, 2007

Q. Can you order additional portraits from a Signature Session?A. Yes, of course. You can order any portraits and they are available in the following formats: print only, matted print, framed print, canvas

Q. How many proofs will I see from a Signature Session?A. There is no limit to the number of proofs you will view, but you will view a minimum of six proofs from which you can order.

Q. Can I order an additional handbag for grandma? A. Yes, of course. To determine the price for an additional handbag, simply deduct $50 from the Signature Session fee (or prices are also on the Gina Alexander website.) There is no extra shipping fee for additional handbags.

Q. Will the session be indoors or outside?A. In general, this will depend somewhat on the handbag you order. The Black & White Candy Bag looks fabulous with a portrait on a black background. For the other handbags, it is really your own preference but I think foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for these handbags. We will discuss this when you schedule your session.

Jul 24, 2007

Momma needs a new bag! So, it's almost that time to be thinking about back to school and all the appropriate supplies needed. Your kids will probably be getting a new backpack so don't you think it's time you indulged yourself a little? For the August Signature Sessions on Saturday, August 11th a very special offering of Gina Alexander Photo Handbags will be available. And to make it even better I will be offering some incentives based on the number of sessions booked. I want to book 10 sessions so be sure to send the information to your best girlfriends and get ready to be a super-chic momma. You could all get the same style and start your own Gina club or you can talk it out and each get the individual style that suits you best. You know you want one. You know you deserve it. So, here's how I can save you some cash.

Remember, the goal here is a full day of 10 sessions.

4 or more sessions booked for the day = complimentary upgrade of your lining to the candy-stripe lining ($12 value)

7 or more sessions booked for the day = a drawing where one lucky momma will receive a matching photo charm ($65 value)

10 sessions booked for the day = a drawing where one lucky momma will receive a print credit equal to her session fee (up to a $345 value)

Now typically you would have scheduled a commissioned portrait session ($300) and have to buy the digital file for use on the handbag ($180) and pay shipping ($13.50) and then place the order yourself!!! but with the Signature Session, there is only a $50 flat session fee added to the price of the handbag so that is another savings of $443.50.

And as always, refer a friend who books an August Signature Session and receive one complimentary 8 x 10 enlargement from your own August Signature Session ($60 value)

You add that all up: $12 + $65 + $345 + $443.50 + $60 and you have a potential savings of $912, and a great new handbag to boot.

There are four styles to order. Click on each one to view larger.

The Audrey $345

The Black & White Candy Bag $335

The Fairfax $275

The Classic Medium Handbag $230

Call or email me today with any questions and/or to schedule your August Signature Session. I am looking forward to seeing all of your beautiful children and I know they'll look fabulous on your new custom handbag that tells everyone how very proud you are of your children.

Please note: due to the custom nature of the photo handbags, turnaround time is 6-8 weeks from when the order is placed. So, your new handbag should be ready by the end of October. I know that is a long wait, but trust me, it will be worth it!

Jul 18, 2007

I am so thankful for my clients. And I truly appreciate A's patience as I am going through my computer headaches. She had to wait much too long to see her baby girl's portraits so I thought it only fair to post a few more of my favorites on the blog. Here is L celebrating being two.

Jul 17, 2007

So, really no explanation with this. My two kids. The cheezy cutout board at the fair. Nothing fancy. Nothing great. Totally just a snapshot. But, I love it. It makes me giggle. And can't you just smell the cotton candy and the rabbit barn? This was at the local Oakland County 4-H Fair but we'll be sure to head to the Michigan State Fair in August, too.

Jul 16, 2007

So, I stumbled across this great gift gallery in Berkley about 5 years ago (maybe more?!?). It's called Catching Fireflies. It has wonderful handmade paper art frames and all kinds of really cool stuff.

I was really excited to see that they opened a second store in downtown Rochester recently. Imagine my delight as seeing a Year of Catching Fireflies gift card in my son's school's Silent Auction. I quietly circled and didn't mention it to anyone and bid on it and won. So, I have a $10 gift card that I can spend each month for the next year. In June I bought a beautiful cross sun-catcher and just this month I bought this groovy pill case.

The owner, April, keeps a blog of all the fun products and happenings at the store and special coupons. So, if you get a chance, they are on 12 Mile in Berkley or University in Rochester. The next time you are looking for a great gift for someone (even if that someone is yourself!) check them out. Let them know I sent you. With me going in there once a month, I am bound to make friends! They were also voted the Best Gift Gallery by Hour Magazine, if that's important to you. I'm thinking about this apron for next month! What do you think?

Jul 12, 2007

Okay, so my vacation was great but I had a major computer crash just before it started. I had to send my PC in and get a new hard drive installed. Fortunately, I did back up ALL of my photographs (personal and clients) and they were able to get most of the information off of my hard drive before installing the new one. Only problem ... they could not retrieve my Outlook information. So, yeah, I have lost all of my email addresses. I am feeling so unable to contact anyone! So, if you are reading this, would you please, please, please send me an email so that I can add you back into my address book? And if you know of other clients, please check with them to see if they'll do the same.

One thing I have realized is, for better or worse, my computer is an extension of me. I totally felt off for the last 13 days not having any access to my programs, my files, etc. It is very weird. So, I will apologize now for taking a bit longer than normal to get back into the swing after my time off but I am having to go back and get things caught up from the last month or so and get aquainted with my new computer. Please hang in there with me and I will have information about August's Signature Session up as soon as I can.